Terry Peterson re-elected to third term as Rockford police union leader

Monday

Apr 21, 2014 at 5:16 PMApr 21, 2014 at 5:16 PM

By Jeff KolkeyRockford Register Star

ROCKFORD — Officer Terry Peterson was elected to a third two-year term as president of the Rockford Police Department’s labor union in what he said was the union membership’s endorsement of continuing efforts to challenge how the department is managed.

Police also elected officers Oda Poole and Matt Williams to the board of the Police Benevolent and Protective Association Unit 6. Chief Chet Epperson had sought the termination of Poole after a controversial 2009 officer-involved shooting. Williams had been dismissed and sued the city in 2008 when Epperson temporarily relieved him of duty and confiscated his service weapon.

Both were reinstated during separate arbitration processes.

“It’s indicative of the membership’s supporting our members, especially those who have been wronged by this chief,” Peterson said. “And it’s a vote of nonsupport for this chief.”

Epperson did not immediately respond to a message seeking comment. Mayor Larry Morrissey declined to comment.

Executive board members of the union elected or re-elected to two-year terms also are officer Aurelio DeLaRosa, vice president; Sgt. Eddie Torrance, treasurer; and Sgt. John Pozzi, recording secretary. Board members elected at-large were officers Poole, Williams, Brian Mace, Durk Garcia and Keehnen Davis.

Williams was reinstated by an arbitrator after he was terminated for reasons that have never been divulged publicly. His federal lawsuit in 2011 was dismissed. It had claimed his civil rights were violated when Epperson forced him to turn in a firearm.

Poole remains on paid administrative leave even after his reinstatement, but Peterson said he was still a union member and welcome to run for the board like any other officer.

“The executive board positions went unchallenged,” Peterson said. “I would like to think that is a credit to the job we have done so far, and the membership supports us.”